More tributes paid to man who died at Norwich’s Castle Mall

Friends and former colleagues of a man who fell to his death at a Norwich shopping centre have today added their memories to the touching family tributes left to the “kind”, “caring” and “bubbly” son, brother and uncle who would “give you his last pound”.

Luther Benjamin Hughes, from Music House Lane, Norwich, died from multiple injuries following a fall from an upper balcony at the Castle Mall shopping centre.

Mr Hughes’ family yesterday paid an emotional tribute to the 39-year-old who had lived in Norwich since the 1990s after studying history of art at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus.

The statement from his family, including three sisters and two brothers, described Mr Hughes as a “kind, thoughtful, caring, bubbly” man who “loved his family”, had a “big personality”, and was “very generous and would give you his last pound”. It said: “Ben touched many people’s hearts with his big personality, infectious laughter and unique ways.”

And today more tributes have been paid to Mr Hughes, who fell from a height to the ground floor of the shopping centre on the evening of Thursday, March 6 by others that used to know him.

Ian Egerton, 38, who lives in the Dereham Road area and who used to work at Sontec Electronics, Concorde Road in Norwich with Mr Hughes in the late 1990s, said he was “eccentric” but a “top bloke” adding: “It’s really tragic. He always had a smile on his face and was the life and soul of the party.”

While another friend, who had known Mr Hughes for about 10 years but only wanted to only be referred to as Michael, said: “He was a very intelligent lad but did have some troubles. He was very clever and very intelligent in what he done and wrote and how he painted and lived his life.

“He loved walking and used to travel for miles and would always help anyone even though he needed help himself.

“He was a good, good man but since I’ve known him he’s been a troubled soul.”

The funeral of Mr Hughes will take place at Robin Hood Crematorium, Solihull at 3pm on Monday, March 24 with a wake to be held afterwards at the Wharf Tavern pub, Stratford Road, Hockley Heath. Flowers to be provided by family but donations to the charity MIND welcome.

If you have feelings of anxiety and need help, contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090.

Would you like to pay tribute to a loved one? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk